25 Things You Learn From Your First Real Relationship

The first real relationship you have is both the sweetest, best thing in the world, and the hardest, most soul-crushing thing in the world.

Caring for somebody deeply is exciting and crazy in all the right ways, but learning all the lessons about heartbreak the first time ’round feels impossible until you make it through. A recent asked people to reveal all the lessons they learned from those first relationships, and all of them are so, so real.

1. “You can convince yourself anything is fine if you don’t think you have any other options.” —DFP_

2. “When trust goes the relationship follows after.” —44elite444

3. “How incredibly important it is to find someone that is of, or around, the same emotional and mental maturity as you. Also don’t ignore red flags. If there is recurring behavior that gives you pause, listen to that feeling.” —TacticalTruth

4. “Your partner is your best friend, but shouldn’t be your ONLY friend.” —Teaquanox

5. “That the both of you can be perfectly good people, but that doesn’t always mean you’re good for each other. And that’s okay.” —pistachio muffin

6. “That an end to a once beautiful relationship is something you can recover from.” —pandafoxshark

7. “You’re far better off finding someone you’re compatible with than trying to mold the first person who shows interest into someone you’d actually want to date.” —Just_Move_Out

8. “The thought process directly following an orgasm is a surprisingly effective gauge for how much you love a person.” —dicklemytick